Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, while addressing an election rally in Shigar, Gilgit-Baltistan, stressed that any future constitutional amendment in Pakistan must include clear protections for the rights of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Speaking to supporters ahead of the June 7 elections in the region, he emphasised that the struggle for the region’s right of governance (haq-i-hakimiyat) should be taken forward in a structured and meaningful way.

He suggested that one important step in this direction would be to hold simultaneous elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the rest of Pakistan, arguing that synchronised electoral cycles would strengthen political representation and advance GB’s constitutional and democratic rights.

Bilawal stated that if elections were held at the same time across the country and Gilgit-Baltistan, it would mark real progress in the region’s long-standing demand for greater political autonomy and decision-making authority.He also highlighted the concept of ownership rights (haq-i-malkiyat), criticising what he described as centralised decision-making from Islamabad.

According to him, there is a clear difference between the PPP’s approach and that of other political parties, as the PPP supports decentralisation and empowering local populations, whereas others prefer controlling governance from the federal capital.

He further said that people in Gilgit-Baltistan have long faced consequences of decisions made far from their region, reinforcing the need for stronger local representation and authority.

The PPP leader’s remarks come as political activity intensifies in the region ahead of the upcoming elections, with competing parties focusing on governance, rights, and administrative reforms for Gilgit-Baltistan.